the beginning

Carmelo’s Coat of Arms restaurant was established in 1980 by the late Carmelo Raimondi Sr. An Italian immigrant who came to America in search of the “American Dream”. His life started in Sutera, Sicily. In his 20’s he made his way to London, England to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. In the 60’s he worked in some of the finest establishments “Cafe de Paris” and “Hyde Park Hotel”. His main goal was to learn the fine dining trade and to work on his english. His next destination was Niagara, Ontario in the late 60’s. He was the maitre d at Hotel Niagara. From Canada he would make trips across the border to the US side and check out other fine dining establishments. On his trips over to the US he met is bride Phyllis. Now an American citizen he would work at the The Ramada “The Circle Dining Room”, famous for its fine dining service, big band entertainment, dancing and seeing who’s who of the Niagara region. He really made a name for himself as the head server. His family grew with a son and a daughter. In the late 70’s he moved his family from the city out to the country, Youngstown, NY. There was a restaurant called the “Old Fort Inn” and they needed a manager. He took the position. The owner of the restaurant wanted to sell it to him, he declined. His brother-in-law Santo Candella saw an opportunity in Lewiston, NY. The rest his history. He bought Carmelo’s Coat of Arms in 1980. After his sudden death on June 29th, 1993, his wife Phyllis, son Carmelo & daughter Maria stepped in to continue his dream. Presently, Phyllis has retired from the restaurant, Maria has moved to Connecticut and Carmelo has been cooking since.